overcautious; constrained; timid
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to be overcautious and hesitant; to be constrained by too many scruples; to have one's hands tied
Originally describing being physically bound hand and foot, now used figuratively for being mentally constrained by excessive worries, rules, or fear of consequences. Often carries a negative connotation suggesting lack of boldness, initiative, or decisive action.
Zuò做
gōng工
zuò作
yào要
dà大
dǎn胆
chuàng创
xīn新
，
bù不
néng能
shù束
shǒu手
shù束
jiǎo脚
。
When doing work, one must be bold and innovative, not overcautious and hesitant.
Tā他
zài在
zhè这
gè个
xīn新
zhí职
wèi位
shàng上
zǒng总
shì是
shù束
shǒu手
shù束
jiǎo脚
de的
，
bù不
gǎn敢
zuò做
rèn任
hé何
jué决
cè策
。
In this new position, he is always constrained and hesitant, not daring to make any decisions.
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Rú如
guǒ果
wǒ我
men们
zǒng总
shì是
shù束
shǒu手
shù束
jiǎo脚
，
jiù就
yǒng永
yuǎn远
wú无
fǎ法
qǔ取
dé得
tū突
pò破
。
If we are always overcautious and hesitant, we will never be able to achieve a breakthrough.
Gǎi改
gé革
xū需
yào要
yǒng勇
qì气
，
bù不
néng能
shù束
shǒu手
shù束
jiǎo脚
，
wèi畏
shǒu首
wèi畏
wěi尾
。
Reform requires courage; one cannot be constrained and hesitant, or afraid of everything.